Burlington Standard

The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont has announced that a federal grand jury indicted Luis Edison Capellan-Ortiz, a 49-year-old from the Dominican Republic, on charges of illegally reentering the United States after being deported for committing an aggravated felony. The indictment was returned on October 31, 2024.

Capellan-Ortiz pleaded not guilty to these charges during his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on November 8, 2024. At his initial appearance on October 21, Judge Doyle had ordered that Capellan-Ortiz remain detained while the case is pending.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted that an indictment only contains allegations and emphasized that Capellan-Ortiz is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. The final sentence would be determined by the District Court with reference to the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest acknowledged the investigatory work conducted by the United States Border Patrol in this case.

Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman is prosecuting the case, while Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara M. Puls represents Capellan-Ortiz.